Monthly Archives: December 2013

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The million dollar question over time is who is Santa? Is he real or just a made up figure in time? Well personally I believe that it depends on you…If you choose to believe in a man, treats, or a spirit then Santa could be anyone.

There have been millions of theories, movies and books about Santa Claus. Some believe that the story began hundreds of years ago, with St. Nicholas. “He was a monk who was born in Turkey around 280 A.D. He was however not a jolly fat old man but a skinny generous man. There was a poor man, who had three daughters, but did not have enough money for a dowry, so his daughters couldn’t get married. One night, Nicholas secretly dropped a bag of gold down the chimney and into the house This was repeated later with the other daughters as well. Finally, determined to discover the person who had given him the money, the father hid by the fire every evening until he caught Nicholas dropping in a bag of gold. Nicholas begged the man to not tell anyone what he had done, because he did not want to bring attention to himself. But soon the news got out and when anyone received a secret gift, it was thought that maybe it was from Nicholas.”

This story was shortly brought over to America by Dutch settlers. The Dutch gave St. Nicholas the nickname “Sinter Klaas,” a derivation of the Dutch Sint Nikolas, which eventually evolved to Santa Clause. Roughly 100 years later, Santa Claus started to resemble the Kris Kringle of popular culture, when giving gifts to children around Christmastime. One of the modern images of Santa Claus took shape in part to Clement Clark Moore who wrote the famous Story “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Soon after illustrator, Thomas Nast took, was inspired by the poem to then create the image of Santa Claus as a rotund figure with a white beard and holding toys for children. Nast is also given credit for associating Santa with his North Pole workshop, reindeer, elves, and Mrs. Claus.

From these historical stories, Santa Clause has evolved over the years from stories to tradition. So who is Santa Clause? Is he a generous skinny man or a Jolly ‘ol Soul? Man or Myth? Well we may never know…but we should always believe in the spirit of a figure who inspires and bring life and joy to those around. HoHoHo.

As Christmas approaches it is very important to have a tree this Holiday season. It is a very strong tradition in many American households. I know personally picking the tree and decorating is a huge deal in my family and a tradition that I want to pass down to future children. I came across this great infographic I wanted to share. Its fun and has great stories about Christmas trees throughout the years. Have a blast picking out your Perfect tree for Christmas!